In Punjab, the wind blows from east to west, bringing polluted air from Indian regions to Pakistan.
Air pollution and smog levels across Punjab continue to worsen, with Faisalabad overtaking Lahore as the most polluted city, recording an air quality index (AQI) of 554. Gujranwala and Multan followed, while Lahore’s AQI reached 471 this morning.
According to global air quality monitoring organization IQAir reports that Gujranwala recorded an AQI of 546, Multan of 478, Lahore of 471 and Bahawalpur of 389. Government figures show AQI levels of 500 in DG Khan, Gujranwala and Kasur; 447 in Lahore; 408 in Faisalabad; and 352 in Multan.
Air quality in several parts of Lahore reached extremely dangerous levels, with readings of 980 at the forest department office on Ravi Road, 790 at G3 Engineering Council and 759 in DHA phase 8. Meanwhile, Punjab Air Quality Index recorded 500 at Burki Road and Egerton Road, 394 at Wagah Border and 384 at Safari Park.
According to the Smog Monitoring and Forecasting System, the wind in Punjab blows from east to west, bringing polluted air from Indian regions, including Haryana, Ludhiana, Patiala and Jalandhar, to Pakistan. These winds affect the air quality in Lahore, Faisalabad, Kasur and Gujranwala.
Read: Lahore tops global pollution index; AQI reaches 985 in some areas
Experts warn that the accumulation of fine particulate matter is worsening pollution levels, with the AQI expected to remain between 330 and 370 today. The Ministry of Environment says air quality in Lahore will remain unhealthy, particularly in the early morning, evening and late night, with slight improvement between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The public, especially children, the elderly and patients, are advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to the outdoors.
Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, anti-smog measures have been expedited. Twelve provincial ministries are implementing a joint action plan, imposing zero tolerance for the burning of crop residues. More than 10,000 notices were issued, while more than 190 factories and brickyards were inspected, many sealed and heavy fines imposed.
Learn more: Lahore tops global pollution rankings as AQI hits ‘dangerous’ level 403
She added that only eco-friendly brick kilns using zigzag technology are allowed to operate. More than 1,200 monitoring teams conduct on-site inspections and issue fines, while SOPs for dust control at construction sites are strictly enforced. The Punjab government, she said, is committed to protecting public health, eliminating the causes of smog and restoring clean air to the province.
